Getting Started Questions

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I would like a Radiant Heating System. Where do I start?

The first step is to get a set of project plans to scale that identifies the areas of the structure to be heated. This will determine the total conditioned area of the home and be used to provide recommended zoning options. Heat loss calculations will be considered to design the systems equipment and materials to meet or exceed the homes required performance. Our engineering department can design a custom installation to meet your needs as well. We will provide a detailed system proposal and set of project specifications for your review. It is important to have us involved in the early stages of your project, preferably before construction begins, in order to meet all the planning requirements for the radiant panel installation. 

Should I get a second opinion on an installation or design?

Second opinions are always welcomed. As a consumer, you deserve to hear all sides. We aren’t going to go as far as to say they will be helpful or make the decision process easier, but its your option. The problem with this specialized field which is filled with many different products and choices is that system opinions can vary from contractor to contractor. And to make it more complicated, the systems as a whole are comprised of several different areas which all lend themselves to individual choices. Some of these are what type of tubing to use, or what make of boiler to use and what size, or what support equipment should be integrated into the system. They all lend themselves to interpretation, or misinterpretation by your contractor. Never have your contractor design the system. System design requires experience in many disciplines and must be left to the hydronic engineer. You must rely on the experience and capacity of the engineer or company you are dealing with. Nothing will be more valuable to you in the long run than to trust the experience of your installer and realize his or her customer service. It is true that as radiant panel heating is experiencing a big resurgence in the heating market today and there are more and more first timers and inexperienced contractors attempting new installations. Some will claim to know what’s best for you and your home without the long-term perspective. We have over 75 years of knowledge invested in this business. We have seen a lot. Including the heating contractor who is no longer there once your one year warranty is up and you’re stuck with a lifetime of headaches dealing with problems in a system that was supposed to be reliable. Even the cheapest parts and materials will likely last a year in these systems. But what happens after that when all you heard during the installation is that it would last for decades? Let’s face it. There is many choices for the consumer and some are better than others. Even good system materials can prevent satisfaction if the system is designed poorly. We are a design and build contractor. Often you find one firm who wants to design the system but have someone else install it. If there is problems, they both point the finger at the other for being responsible while you are stuck in the middle. When dealing with us, you have one company who is glad to accept responsibility! 

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Can I install part of the system myself?

Materials and radiant heating kits can be purchased for a do-it-yourself installation. We never recommend it though. Anyone can sell you materials, however, what you really want is a guarantee that the system will work as you intended it to, once it is installed. No contractor or company is going to give you that guarantee unless they install it themselves. Since the system will be a permanent addition to your home, it is preferred to have a professional install it. Taking on the job, of course, depends on your experience and abilities, but our specialized personnel have a minimum of ten years experience focused just on installing these systems. Care and caution must be exercised performing the installation or additional costs can be incurred and problems can arise.